Jan 27, 2013

Singapore - By-election result can't be taken as trend in future: Low Thia Khiang

SINGAPORE: Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang said the result of the
Punggol East by-election should not be seen as a trend for the future.

He said a by-election is
different from a general election.

He believes that in a
by-election, voters of Punggol East had no worries that they would
"accidentally throw out the government".

He said the message is very clear
that the role of WP is that of check and balance on the government.

"We give them time and we
don't agitate. I think the message got through and they gave us the mandate to
make sure that the People's Action Party does its job," said Mr Low.

Mr Low said the party has made it
clear that it is not ready to be the next or alternative government, as it has
limited resources and does not want to give Singaporeans false expectations.

He said the government is
competent but it needs to re-prioritise and address the issues related to costs
of living.

He said even though policies have
been reviewed, policy u-turns need time to take effect.

Mr Low said his party will play
its role in checking on the government but warned against politicising
everything.

He said that as a rational and
responsible party, WP should work with the government to bring about change and
improvements.

Mr Low, who spoke to reporters
before a thank-you parade in Punggol East on Sunday morning, said while
democracy is important for political vibrancy, it's not productive to
politicise everything.

The party will have seven elected
seats in Parliament, after its candidate, Ms Lee Li Lian, won the by-election
in the single-seat ward with 54.5 per cent of the vote share.

- CNA/fa

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